A former Nigeria national team goalkeeper Peter Fregene, popularly known as Apo, has reportedly passed away at the age of 77, News About Nigeria reports.
This was disclosed by a renowned sports journalist and former Nigerian international, Segun Odegbami, in a statement on Monday.
He stated that Fregene, a 1968 Olympian, died peacefully in the presence of his wife, Tina, and their two children.
Odegbami, a former national team captain, expressed gratitude to the numerous individuals who supported Fregene’s treatment until his eventual death.
He stated, “On behalf of all generations of Nigerian footballers, Olympians, sports persons, his family, friends, fans and a few incredible Nigerians that quietly rallied round and, with their support, prayers and the will of the Creator of the Universe, kept him alive until this night, I say a big thank you.”
He noted that repeated appeals to well-known philanthropists had yielded support in the past but expressed concern that these individuals may be exhausted from continually supporting Nigerian sports heroes in need.
Recall that Fregene’s health struggles had sparked widespread concern, prompting an outpouring of support from the sports community.
Three generous Nigerians had also volunteered to support the late goalkeeper’s treatment at Obule Medical Centre in Sapele, Delta State.
This came after Odegbami’s initial appeal for assistance, where he shared a distressing photo highlighting Fregene’s dire situation.
Odegbami, however, lamented the government’s neglect of sports, leaving veterans like Fregene vulnerable.
“Why can’t we set up a simple welfare scheme for active and retired athletes to take care of our declining health in old age?” he lamented.
